UN seeks $140 million for Afghanistan earthquake victims

The United Nations said on Tuesday it was seeking $139.6 million to help half a million people affected by earthquakes that struck eastern Afghanistan, and it urged donors to set aside any reservations about the Taliban authorities.

Afghanistan's worst earthquake in years, which struck on the night of August 31 into September 1, killed more than 2,200 people and was followed by a series of powerful aftershocks. The quakes have left tens of thousands of people homeless, with some fearing further landslides.

Colder temperatures set to arrive within weeks will mean tougher conditions for survivors in remote mountain areas, said Indrika Ratwatte, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Afghanistan.

"This is a moment where the international community must dig deep and show solidarity with a population that has already endured so much suffering," he told a Geneva press briefing.

"Right now lives are at stake. Two or three more weeks and the winter temperatures will be reaching these high-altitude communities," he added.

The UN considers Afghanistan's humanitarian crisis to be among the worst in the world, but funding is down 35 per cent since last year due to cuts from major donors, including the United States.

The cuts have grounded a helicopter which would have otherwise facilitated access to remote villages, Ratwatte said.

Asked about the reasons for the loss of funding, Ratwatte blamed multiple competing crises but also alluded to many donors' reluctance to provide aid to the Taliban government in Afghanistan on account of its policies towards women.

"Some governments do have reservations because of the policies of the de facto authorities," he said, referring to the Taliban. "Our appeal has always been to focus on the people."

Ratwatte said the United States had not yet released funds for humanitarian relief following the earthquake.

The World Health Organization has asked Taliban authorities to lift restrictions on Afghan female aid workers and allow them to travel without male guardians.

The inclusion of female aid workers in UN teams remains a "challenge", Ratwatte said.

"Our endeavour is to try and have at least one female worker in every team. It's not possible right now for all the teams but we are working on it."